June 12 declared Women’s Veterans Day in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To recognize the critical role of women in U.S. Armed Forces, State Senators Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) and Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), co-chairs of the Senate Women’s Caucus, are sponsoring a resolution to declare June 12 as Women’s Veterans Day in Illinois.

“Women have sacrificed much for our nation while serving at home and abroad,” Gillespie said. “We are grateful for their service and honor the contributions of the over two million women veterans who have served our country.”

House Joint Resolution 64 declares June 12, 2022, as Women’s Veterans Day and pays homage to the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which formally allowed women to serve as regular members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The act was signed by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948.

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Hastings champions bipartisan relief package to assist Illinois families

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings shepherded a bipartisan relief package to assist and provide financial assistance to all Illinoisans. 

Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored Senate Bill 157, a comprehensive revenue package to provide tax relief to families throughout the state.

“We are slowly recovering from the most severe public health crisis that our state, country and the world has seen in the last century,” Hastings said. “These vital tax dollars belong in the hands of Illinois families. This measure prioritizes families by giving them the much needed and deserved relief they’ve been longing for.”

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Correctional officers, deputies get a victory under Cunningham measure

SPRINGFIELD – To help correctional officers and deputy sheriffs utilize their training for secondary employment, State Senator Bill Cunningham passed a measure through the Illinois Senate that would allow correctional officers and deputy sheriffs to carry a firearm off duty.

“Our law enforcement officers are overworked and underpaid,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “The ability to utilize peace officer training in secondary employment will help them financially and protect businesses in our community.”

Read more: Correctional officers, deputies get a victory under Cunningham measure

Streamlined application process for cannabis workers passes Senate thanks to Senator Castro

SPRINGFIELD – As the cannabis industry continues to grow in Illinois, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) has championed a measure to ensure prospective employees at dispensary or cultivation centers have an equitable application process.

“The cannabis industry has provided a boost to the Illinois economy,” Castro said. “Streamlining the process for people to get involved in this business will ensure a more equitable, diverse workforce and bring multiple cannabis laws on the books in line with each other.”

Currently, individuals who wish to work for a cannabis dispensary or cultivation center are subject to two different application processes – one for medical and one for adult-use. However, practically speaking most medical dispensaries also serve adult use cannabis.  House Bill 2380 streamlines the process for prospective dispensary and cultivation center employees to receive their identification cards by consolidating the application process.

Read more: Streamlined application process for cannabis workers passes Senate thanks to Senator Castro